Exercising in the winter is already a Herculean task, but with everyone in lockdown, it’s doubly important to make sure that we’re making an effort to get physical activity in. Kids especially need to be moving and staying strong! We’ve got some great Ontario inspired outdoor winter activities that should help you get your groove on, and some of them you may not have realized that you can still participate in!
Walking
We’ll get the obvious one out of the way first. Walking is actually really great exercise, and suitable for all ages and fitness levels, which makes it a perfect family activity too. Dress warmly, take your masks with you, and enjoy the winter sunshine. Some families really enjoy wearing their masks on walks, because it keeps the face warm too. Have a great family conversation on the walk and enjoy your favourite hot beverage when you get home!
Ice Skating
When’s the last time you’ve dusted off those skates? In the coldest part of the winter, as we are now, outdoor ice rinks have been popping up all over, and even outdoor arenas are getting in on the action. Have a look online, you might be surprised to find one near you. And be sure to plan ahead and check to see if they have reservations. Many do!
(Just be sure to be careful if you haven’t been ice skating for a while!)
Snowball Fights
Get outside and play in some snow. If you don’t have a back yard loaded with snow, check out a local park or grassy area. You might have to keep your snowball fight isolated to your family unit but stake your area and get to fort-building!
You’ll be surprised how much you feel it in your arms the next day after a great snowball fight. Just remember to exercise caution and play safely!
Tobogganing
With all the snow we receive in winter, it’s a great time to go outside and find a hill to sled – or just roll – down. Hey, we won’t judge if you don’t have a snow saucer. Sliding down a chute can still be great fun, even if it does occasionally mean you get snow up the back of your coat. But that’s what hot chocolate afterwards is for, right?
Snow Sculptures
Was making a snowman on your list of physical activities? Well, it’s better exercise than you might think! If you’re looking for a slightly less vigorous activity to entice creative kids into, we recommend upping the ante from the traditional snowman to snow castles and, well, just about anything you can imagine.
Want to throw a little karma into the mix too? Try surprise snow sculptures – everywhere. Leave hand-sized snowmen on fences and ledges (and maybe near the yard of a neighbour who could use a little cheering up). Making others smile is a wonderful thing, especially right now.
Now get out there and have a great time!
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